Helen on the radio

Did you hear Helen Martin on Sun FM? She was talking about wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

If you haven't made a will then you need to think about it very seriously. If you co-habit with a partner you will need to make a will to ensure that your partner gets what you would wish them to get when you die.

If you are separated or divorced you should make a will to ensure that those you wish to benefit from your estate on your death get what you would wish them to receive. You should make a new will if you remarry or start to co-habit.

If you live in a same sex relationship you need to make a will so that your partner receives what you would wish them to receive upon your death.

If you own a business as director/shareholder or partner or sole trader you meed to make a will to deal with your share of a business upon your death. Your partners and co-directors need to do likewise.

If you retire abroad but retain property in the UK you need to make a will here in the UK and in your country of domicility (ie where you live).

Some people believe that probate is "money for old rope". Just try working your way through the collection of an estate and the distribution of it and see how you get on as an Executor.

You need to think about who would care for your minor children and who you can trust to deal with your affairs properly upon your death.